Salads & sides
Shredded cabbage and carrot salad with sesame ginger dressing and toasted peanuts for Asian flair.
A crisp, vibrant cabbage and carrot salad dances with sesame-ginger dressing, toasted peanuts, and bright herbs, delivering balanced crunch, tangy sweetness, and a delicate nutty finish inspired by Asian flavors.
Published by
Andrew Scott
August 08, 2025 - 3 min Read
Fresh cabbage and carrots provide the base for a bright, healthful salad that rewards careful shredding. The crisp ribbons hold dressing well, letting sesame and ginger flavors cling to every strand. A light salt or soy splash enhances the greens without overpowering their natural sweetness. Some cooks add a touch of rice vinegar for extra tang, while others rely on citrus juice to brighten the dish. Whichever path you choose, aim for uniform shreds so each bite delivers consistent texture. This foundation, when combined with crunchy peanuts, becomes a satisfying, everyday dish that complements a wide range of proteins or can stand alone as a vegetarian main.
To prepare the dressing, whisk together sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, and a whisper of honey or maple for balance. The balance between salty, sweet, and aromatic notes is essential, so start with measured amounts and adjust gradually. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice adds a citrus lift that brightens the overall profile. Toasted sesame seeds scattered into the mix echo the nutty aroma, while a pinch of chili flakes delivers a gentle warmth. Let the mixture sit briefly so the flavors meld before coating the shredded vegetables evenly for a glossy, inviting surface.
Crisp vegetables, toasted nuts, and a bright, balanced dressing unite beautifully.
The assembly begins with thoroughly washing the cabbage and carrots to remove any dirt or grit. Drying completely prevents the dressing from sliding off and keeps the salad from becoming soggy. Layer the vegetables in a wide bowl, turning them gently as you add the sesame-ginger mixture. The peanuts should be roasted until deeply fragrant, then chopped coarsely so they still provide a noticeable crunch when mixed in. If you prefer a milder nut presence, toast them just until they release aroma and remain pale. A handful of chopped scallions or cilantro can brighten the surface and introduce a fresh herbal note without dominating the core flavors.
When dressing, consider emulsifying with a tiny amount of water or rice vinegar to achieve a silkier texture that clings to every strand. A quick toss with tongs ensures even coverage without bruising the vegetables. For visual appeal, arrange the salad so the purple tones from optional cabbage varieties peep through the orange carrot mix, creating a lively contrast. The toasted peanuts should be added at the last moment to preserve their crunch. Finally, finish with a final light sprinkle of sesame seeds and a final drizzle of dressing to achieve a glossy, mouthwatering appearance.
Texture and aroma collaborate to create a versatile, crave-worthy salad.
Many cooks like to chill the salad briefly before serving, which helps meld flavors and firm up texture. This step is especially useful when entertaining, as it gives a clean, refreshing bite that complements hot dishes or tangy sauces. If you prepare it in advance, store the components separately and combine just before serving to preserve crunch. For vegetarian or vegan guests, ensure the dressing uses tamari rather than fish sauce and test the balance with plant-based sweeteners. The result is a bright, inclusive dish that remains faithful to its Asian-inspired roots while adapting to various dietary preferences.
A touch of sesame oil at the end can reinforce the nutty aroma, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t overwhelm the vegetables. You can also experiment with a splash of rice vinegar to heighten acidity on demand. For a more substantial meal, add shredded grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp, allowing the dressing to permeate the proteins and infuse the entire plate. Alternatively, offer extra peanuts and herbs at the table so guests customize their portions. The goal is a harmonious balance where the vegetables stay crisp, the dressing shines, and the nuts provide a satisfying crackle.
A harmonious blend of crunchy texture, bright dressing, and nutty notes.
Introduce a citrus element that suits your palate—blood orange segments, mandarin slices, or a simple lemon twist all work well. Citrus brightness lifts the dressing’s sesame notes and keeps the dish from tasting flat. If you crave extra color, finely slice red radishes or add shredded purple cabbage for a more dramatic presentation. The carrots’ sweetness plays against the sesame’s earthy depth, producing a well-rounded profile that carries across seasons. A quick stir halfway through serving helps re-dispersal of dressing and ensures every forkful is equally flavorful. This flexibility makes the salad an adaptable partner to many entrees.
For a Southeastern Asian accent, swap a portion of the cabbage for thinly sliced bok choy or napa cabbage. These greens add a gentler bite and slightly different texture while maintaining the dish’s integrity. If you like a deeper umami note, drizzle a small amount of mushroom soy into the dressing, but balance carefully so it doesn’t become too intense. The peanuts continue to provide the distinctive crunch that elevates the salad from side dish to star, particularly when contrasted with the crisp vegetable base. The result remains lively, fresh, and inviting for everyday meals or special gatherings.
Fresh, crisp, and flavorful—a salad built for sharing and savoring.
The sesame-ginger dressing can be scaled to suit large gatherings or intimate meals. Multiply the ingredients proportionally, then whisk vigorously to ensure an even emulsion. If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately from the vegetables to prevent wilting; combine just before serving for peak texture. A light toss before plating redistributes the aromatic oils and ensures the peanuts don’t sink. The salad’s freshness rewards gentle handling, so avoid over-mixing and instead aim for a delicate, even coating. These small care steps make a big difference in achieving a professional, polished appearance.
When presenting the dish, consider pairing it with simple proteins that echo its flavors, such as grilled salmon, soy-glazed chicken, or marinated tofu. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a handful of sesame-crusted croutons can complement without overpowering. The dressing’s sweetness should be balanced to avoid cloying, and extra sesame seeds can be scattered on top for aroma. Guests will appreciate the salad’s crispness, the dressing’s aromatics, and the satisfying nut crunch that ties everything together.
If you enjoy spice, a whisper of crushed red pepper in the dressing adds warmth without dominating the dish. Experiment with a kombucha splash or a dash of fish sauce for a different umami dimension, then tune back with a bit of sugar or honey to maintain balance. Some cooks finish with microgreens for a bright green finish that enhances color and freshness. The interplay of warmth, tang, and sweetness creates a dynamic eating experience that remains approachable and timeless.
The enduring appeal lies in its versatility: a simple side, a vibrant starter, or a component of a larger Asian-inspired menu. As flavors mingle, the salad encourages mindful eating—crunch first, savor the aroma, then enjoy the delicate aftertaste of sesame and ginger. Its evergreen quality comes from the way cabbage and carrot hold dressing, the nuts provide texture, and the dressing ties everything together with a clean, zesty finish. This is a dish you’ll return to often, adapting it to seasons, guests, and available ingredients.
